A practicing gastroenterologist shares four of the biggest highlights of his career thus far.
Ask a Gastroenterologist is a weekly series of questions posed to GI physicians around the country on business and clinical issues affecting the field of gastroenterology. We invite all gastroenterologists to submit responses.
Next week's question: What has been the most frustrating moment in your career thus far?
Please submit responses to Carrie Pallardy at cpallardy@beckershealthcare.com by Thursday, Feb. 4, at 5 p.m. CST.
Pankaj Vashi, Chair, Department of Medicine, Medical Director, Gastroenterology/Nutrition and Metabolic Support, Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Midwestern Regional Medical Center (Zion, Ill.): I have been a gastroenterologist for nearly 25 years, so needless to say there is more than one “proudest moment” over the course of my career to this point. In addition to the immense gratification and satisfaction I’ve received from being able to have a positive effect on the thousands of patients who put their trust in me, there are four areas that really bring me a great deal of pride and joy.
1. Building a robust gastroenterology and nutrition department at Cancer Treatment Centers of America.. Two years after joining CTCA at Midwestern Regional Medical Center in 1992, I started the nutrition and metabolic support program. Over the next 20 years, I’ve helped implement gastroenterology and nutrition and metabolic support programs in all five CTCA hospitals.
2. Publishing multiple research articles and giving presentations that are changing how we manage and care for patients treating for and living with cancer.
3. Being recognized by my peers as a leader and role model within the medical community and CTCA, and helping develop and grow the organization from one to now five cancer treatment centers across the country.
4. Keeping up on and providing patients treating at CTCA at Midwestern with the latest technologies and procedures is extremely fulfilling. Having the latest and greatest technologies available is only one piece of providing outstanding patient care; however, it does allow us to provide our patients with options.